PLANS to build a new ten-storey high rise apartment scheme and function venue at a key gateway to the city could be on the brink of collapse.

The project, by Jersey-based developer Betra, would see two tower blocks built on disused brownfield land off Trafalgar Street and Snowden Street, Bradford, near the junction of Manningham Lane and Hamm Strasse.

It was given planning permission last summer, on the basis that the developer would include affordable homes and contribute cash towards local schools, play areas and roadworks to offset the development.

But it never signed this legal agreement, a new Council report reveals, so planners are now asking a committee to refuse planning permission.

The report, by major development manager John Eyles, says: “Despite repeated requests, the applicant has failed to complete the agreement within a reasonable period of time and there are no indications that it will be completed imminently. As a result, this application is now recommended for refusal.”

The authority’s regulatory and appeals committee will meet on Thursday to consider the matter.

Betra’s planning agent, Roger Lee, declined to comment ahead of the meeting.

It could be the latest blow for efforts to develop the vacant plot of land.

In 2004, planning permission was granted for the demolition of existing warehouse buildings and outline plans for an apartment block.

Two separate plans for residential schemes were lodged in 2005 and 2006, but both were later withdrawn.

Sailbridge Developments was then granted permission in 2008 for a scheme involving 362 apartments as well as shops, cafes, offices and leisure units.

These would have been split over three buildings, including a 14-storey tower - but that scheme failed to materialise.

The latest plans by Betra contain a wedding banqueting and functions centre aimed at the Muslim community, with 230 flats above, including 131 bedsits.

There would also be a 200-space multi-storey car park and a public outside seating area.

Leeds-based architects Loroc had sent council planners a description of the scheme.

This says the scheme would “provide a new quality gateway building to the city of Bradford”.

But the plans have attracted two objections from nearby businesses in Manningham Lane, Sovereign Health Care at Royal Standard House and the Royal Taj Banqueting Hall.

Russ Piper, of Sovereign Health Care at Royal Standard House in Manningham Lane, wrote to planners saying while they would like to see the land used in an appropriate fashion, they had “real concerns” over the proposed scheme.

And Mujahid Khan of the Royal Taj Banqueting Hall said the proposed venue would be only 50 yards away from their own and would “ruin our business” as well as reducing car parking in the area.